Paul Nicholson's musical career consists of a variety of activities in chamber music, solo performance as an early-keyboard specialist, and as a conductor. As a member of The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment he appears in all these guises. He has musical partnerships with Fretwork, Convivium and Le Nouveau Quatuor, and recently his fortepiano playing has come to the fore in his recital work with violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and the mezzo soprano Catherine Robbin.

A native of Liverpool, Paul initially studied harpsichord and organ at Dartington College of Arts before reading music at the University of York. His tutors included John Wellingham, Roy Truby, Nicholas Danby and Colin Tilney. He is now a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 3 and, as a Hyperion artist, his work has involved guest appearances as director and soloist with The Parley of Instruments in music by Arne, Linley and other English composers, as well as solo keyboard recordings of music by Handel, Philips and Roseingrave.

Paul is also active as a Festival director, at both the London Handel and the Tilford Bach Festivals, and he is associate musical director of the London Handel Orchestra. He has guest directed the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and The Sixteen, and his performances in America at the Boston Early Music Festival and the Carmel Bach Festival have met with acclaim.